Looks like my ISP has been bought by BestBuy. That’s alarming on its own, but here’s the graf from the mail Speakeasy customers got yesterday that’s really alarming:

Best Buy, like Speakeasy, is known for its high level of customer service. Our reputation as a trusted provider of voice and data services with stellar customer service will not change. Our values are similar too — Best Buy shares our customer passion, respect for individuals, and drive to do the right thing while achieving results.

Actually, Best Buy is known for following customers around its stores because the wage slaves are hoping to catch you stealing something so they can get a bounty. It’s also known for having hovering clerks who are omnipresent when you just want to scan the DVD shelf, but disappear in a puff of blue-tinted brimstone the second you need a real answer, unless the dim one they keep around for laughs happens to be on the clock, at which point you’ll be subjected to misinformation that makes Stalinist-era maskirovka seem as transparent and useful as a Stockholm subway map. Its “customer passion” is largely confined to the lusty “Hi there!” the door workers bellow at the back of your head once you’re already well inside the door

I hope. to. God. that the knowledgeable, friendly, responsive and respectful support workers I’ve dealt with at Speakeasy for the past four years learn absolutely nothing from Best Buy besides, perhaps, where they can download the new direct deposit forms.

Wow, ya suxors. I have been really happy with Easystreet – and they make a good amount of money providing local and regional hosting, so I doubt they’ll be bought out in the near future. And many of the Easystreet guys are ex-Intel employees! (smile)